THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW

As of September 14th, $32 million had been raised to fight Prop. 37, the “Right to Know” initiative to label genetically engineered foods in California. Monsanto had contributed 7.1 million. More than $25 million came from the biotech industry. Coca-cola and Pepsi have also donated funds to oppose Prop 37. They apparently don’t want you to know about the genetically engineered corn used to make the high fructose corn syrup in their sodas and snack foods. Surprisingly Horizon Organic (Dean Foods) also opposes Prop 37.[1] Horizon’s organic label is suspect as they have been accused of producing milk on factory farms. And remember next month when “Trick or Treat” rolls around, that Hershey has spent nearly $400,000 to fight Prop 37 to keep you from knowing about the genetically engineered ingredients in their products.[2] More than 50 other countries require labeling of genetically engineered foods so that their citizens can know what is in their food. Why shouldn’t the US be included?

A recent study by Stanford University claimed that organic foods are no more safe or nutritious than conventional foods. There is an old, but wise saying, “Consider the source.” Stanford failed to mention their close ties with Cargill, the world’s largest agricultural business and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which has deep ties to agricultural chemical and biotech corporations like Monsanto who have donated millions to Stanford’s Freeman Spogli Institute, which supports the researchers and the chemical and agribusiness industry. Stanford is also the home of the Hoover Institute, a think tank, which has attacked the credibility of organic farming in the past. Sanford researchers failed to emphasize that organic foods have an 81% reduction in exposure to toxic and carcinogenic agrichemicals. They also failed to mention how pesticide residue impacts human health, or the potential cancer risks from exposure to agricultural chemicals. Needless to say, they did not mention the known and unknown health risks of genetically engineered foods and that the toxins of these foods are absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed. GE toxins have even been found in the blood of fetuses of pregnant women.[3] Sanford has lowered their credibility to zero.

As individual consumers, we may not have the deep pockets to support measures such as Prop. 37, but we can help ensure healthy foods in the market place and truthful labeling by refusing to buy products of companies that are using genetically engineered ingredients and are opposing efforts to let the consumer know what is in or has been done to their food. You can make a contribution to “Vote Yes” at Organic Consumers Fund, 6771 South Silver Hill Drive, Finland MN 55603 or by phone at 888-403- 1007

[1] Why Are Some of the Most Popular Organic Brands Trying to Take Down Consumer Labeling Efforts? AlterNet by Jill Richardson

[2] Saying No To Hershey for Kids this Halloween by admin in Hard Truths